President Dr Waheed of the Maldives spoke on the TODAY programme of BBC Radio, which is the morning programme heard by millions in the UK and other parts of the world.

The interview clarifies the recent events in the country which made the previous President, Mohammed Nasheed, realize that he had lost the confidence of the people as well as that of his own administration, in particular the critical law and order enforcement arms. On his own accord, he submitted his resignation, although he later claimed he had been ousted in a violent 'coup'.

President Waheed was former President Nasheed’s running mate in the 2008 general election, the country’s first, which they won, defeating President Gayoom who had been ruling the country for 30 years with an iron hand.

Following is a transcript of the interview:

“And I deny any allegation that there has been a coup here; you are most welcome to come to find out for yourself. I welcome anyone who wants to come and find out the facts on the ground. You know, we are all open for you to look at what happened”, said President Waheed.

When asked on what authority he has assumed office as President, President Waheed said:

“I am on the authority of the Constitution of the Maldives which says if an incumbent president resigns, then the serving Vice President should be sworn-in as the new President of the country”.

He also said:

“I want to move forward in the unity government to stabilize the situation so that we continue the march towards democracy that we all started together, and then make sure that law and order is maintained, rule of law is upheld, and we respect the constitution and the separation of powers in our country”.

This interview dispels former president Mohammed Nasheed’s concocted story that he was forced out of office by a military coup.

Further, President Waheed’s clarification demonstrates his commitment to the formation of a national unity government and to take the democratic process forward to its ultimate goal. The need of the hour, therefore, is for the former president's party to respond positively and work hand in hand with the national unity government for the larger interest of the Maldives.